Tetrastes bonasia (Linnaeus, 1758)

Distribution

Breeds in mountain forests of Altai and in pine forests of Kalbinskiy Altai.

Biology

Rare resident. Inhabits the dense mixed forests with bush and high grass undergrowth, and very rare in fir and spruce forests, at altitudes 1450-1700 m. Breeds in separate pairs. Nest is built at dense forest on the ground in shallow hole under the bush, tree or in moss; nest-hole is lined with grass and leaves, and sometimes with thin twigs. Clutch of 6-10 eggs is laid from early May onward. Only female incubates clutch and care juveniles which hatch in June - early July. Sometimes male exists nearby. Broods of flying juveniles observed in August. The autumn displaying and pairs forming occurs in September, during winter birds stay in pairs or in groups up to 10-14 birds.